Pania of the Reef

Pania of the reef is a famous story in Maori mythology.  The story comes from Napier, on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island.  Here is our summary of the story:

According to Maori mythology Pania was a beautiful Maori maiden. 

Pania would swim happily in the ocean every day and play with the little sea creatures.  In the evenings she would swim up a stream and make a comfortable bed in the flax bushes. 

When Pania heard the sound of footsteps approaching the stream she would peak out and stare at a Maori chief’s son called Karitoki who would drink water from the stream each night because it was the tastiest water. 

Pania cast a spell on Karitoki but her whispers were carried on the wind and reached his ears.  Karitoki turned around and saw the beautiful Pania coming towards him.  They fell instantly in love and were married.

Karitoki took Pania home to his whare but the next morning she tried to leave and return to the ocean.  Karitoki tried to stop her but Pania explained why she had to return.   He allowed her to go back to the ocean but made her promise to return that night.

That day Karitoki went to a wise man of the iwi and asked him what he could do to keep Pania on the land.  The kaumatua replied “She will stay if she eats cooked food.”

In the evening when Pania slept Karitoki secretly put some cooked food in her mouth but an owl sent her a warning.

When Pania returned to the ocean that morning her whanau dragged her back, down into the water and poor Karitoki never saw her again.

We divided up into groups to create music to tell the story of Pania of the reef.  We chose instruments to represent Pania, her lover Karitoki, the water of the ocean and the kaumatua.  Each had its own special melody.  It was fun to communicate the story in a different way and we are planning on sharing our music at Assembly next week!